FY21-FSO-RFA-508.pdf

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

Food Safety Outreach Competitive Grants Program

FUNDING YEAR: Fiscal Year 2021

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 1, 2021

LETTER OF INTENT DEADLINE: Not Required

AWARD AMOUNT: Approximately $9,600,000

ASSISTANCE LISTING NUMBER:

10.328

INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

National Institute of Food and Agriculture, United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture

(USDA).

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The Food Safety Outreach Program (FSOP) is listed in the Assistance Listings under number 10.328.

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines

Task Description Deadline

Application: 5:00 P.M. Eastern, April 1, 2021 [Ref to Part I § C of this RFA]

Letter of Intent: Not Required

Applicants Comments: Within six months from the issuance of this notice (NIFA may not consider comments received after the sixth month)

Stakeholder Input. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) seeks comments on all request for applications (RFAs) so it can deliver programs efficiently, effectively, with integrity, and with a focus on customer service. NIFA considers comments, to the extent possible when developing RFAs and use comments to help meet the requirements of Section 103(c)(2) of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7613(c)(2)).

Applicants may submit written comments to Policy@usda.gov (email is for comments only).

Please use the following subject line: Response to the Food Safety Outreach Program RFA.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This notice identifies the objectives for Food Safety Outreach Program (FSOP) projects, deadlines, funding information, eligibility criteria for projects and applicants, and application forms and associated instructions. NIFA requests applications for the FSOP for fiscal year (FY) 2021 to develop and implement food safety training, education, extension, outreach and technical assistance projects that address the needs of owners and operators of small to mid-sized farms, beginning farmers, socially- disadvantaged farmers (7 CFR § 760.107) small processors, veteran farmers or ranchers, or small fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers. These audiences are affected by the food safety guidelines established under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) (www.fda.gov/fsma) as outlined in (7 U.S.C. 7625). In FY 2021, FSOP will maintain focus on delivery of customized training to members of the target audiences by continuing to solicit Community Outreach Projects and Collaborative Education and Training Projects. The FSOP will continue to build a national infrastructure for food safety outreach by soliciting new proposals for Regional Centers in the Northeast, North Central, Southern and Western Regions as defined by NIFA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (www.sare.org). One of the four Regional Centers will be designated as the Lead Regional Center responsible for national coordination, communication and assessment. New Community Outreach and Collaborative Education and Training projects will focus on, but are not limited to, providing on farm or on-site training and/or technical assistance that addresses knowledge and resource gaps for the target audiences in the areas of pre- and post-harvest water https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/agricultural-research-extension-and-education-reform-act-1998 https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/agricultural-research-extension-and-education-reform-act-1998 https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7613%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7613)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true mailto:Policy@usda.gov https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f354dcc547d3003512ea65cee051ceaa&mc=true&node=pt7.7.760&rgn=div5#se7.7.760_1107 http://www.fda.gov/fsma https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7625%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7625)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true http://www.sare.org/ testing and sampling, soil amendments, developing supply chain programs, and/or developing food safety plans. The program will also continue to fund projects that develop bilingual and culturally appropriate training. Grant applications will be solicited directly from those in local communities, to include community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, food hubs, farm cooperatives, extension, and other local groups. Supplemental Collaborative Engagement funding opportunities are available to energize collaboration and coordination among 1890s, 1994s, Insular Areas, Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving (ANNH), Hispanic Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities (HSACU), and community-based organizations serving socially disadvantaged populations. Supplemental collaborative funding will be available for the Regional Centers, Community Outreach and Collaborative Education, and Training Project types. Successful Community Outreach and Collaborative Education and Training project awardees will be required to interact with Regional Centers by reporting project outcomes to the Centers. This will ensure that activities and efforts undertaken by all FY 2017-2021 awardees are well-integrated with the national Food Safety Outreach infrastructure. The amount available for grants in FY 2021 is approximately $9.6 million.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority

B. Purpose and Priorities

C. Program Area Description

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding

B. Application Restrictions

C. Project and Grant Types

D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application

B. Content and Form of the Application

C. Funding Restrictions

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process

B. Evaluation Criteria

C. Organizational Management Information

D. Application Disposition

PART VI. AWARD ADMINISTRATION

A. General

B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

PART VII. OTHER INFORMATION

A. Use of Funds and Changes in Budget

B. Confidential Aspects of Applications and Awards

C. Regulatory Information

APPENDIX I: AGENCY CONTACT

APPENDIX II: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

APPENDIX III: DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1: Key Dates and Deadlines Table 2: Community Outreach Projects Key Information Table 3: Collaborative Education and Training Projects Key Information Table 4: Regional Center Projects Key Information Table 5: Steps to Obtain Application Materials Table 6: Help and Resources Table 7: Key Application Instructions

PART I. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION

A. Legislative Authority Section (d) of 21 U.S.C 399 established a competitive grant program for food safety training, education, extension, outreach, and technical assistance which is authorized to be available to owners and operators of farms, small food processors, and small fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers. This resulted in the National Food Safety and Outreach Program (FSOP), which was reauthorized in Public Law 115-334 and codified in 7 U.S.C. 7625. Under 7 U.S.C. 7625, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that target small and medium-sized farms, beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, veteran farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 2279(a) of this title), small processors, or small fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers.

B. Purpose and Priorities In FY 2021 FSOP, under Assistance Listing 10.328, will maintain and continue to grow the training, education, outreach and coordination across FSOP by soliciting new Community Outreach Projects and Collaborative Education and Training Projects. This Request for Applications (RFA) will solicit proposals for two project types:

1) Community Outreach Projects (award requests: $80,000 - $150,000) - An additional $150,000 may be requested for Collaborative Engagement Supplements, for a total budget request of up to $300,000.

2) Collaborative Education and Training Projects (awards request: $200,000 - $400,000) - An additional $150,000 may be requested for Collaborative Engagement Supplements, for a total budget request of up to $550,000.

3) Regional Centers (awards requests: $800,000; an additional $200,000 may be requested for (1) Lead Regional Center for a total budget request of up to $1,000,000).

Community Outreach Projects will support the development of new food safety education and outreach programs in local communities and expand upon existing food safety education and outreach programs that address the needs of small, specialized audiences whose education needs have not previously been adequately addressed. Projects will focus on building the capacity of local groups to identify very specific needs within their communities, and to implement appropriately customized food safety education and outreach programs to meet those specific needs. Community outreach project funds that are being used to develop new food safety education programs can be used for FSMA training for applicants with minimal food safety experience that have close ties with target audiences and would like to expand to FSMA trainings within their communities. Where needed, Regional Centers will provide support and assistance by aiding in the development of mechanisms for reporting program outcomes and providing food safety technical assistance when warranted. Community Outreach Projects will also support the growth and expansion of already existing food safety education and outreach programs currently offered in local communities; to include previously funded, successful Pilot or Community Outreach Projects. In addition, these projects will enable existing programs to reach a broader target audience, provide technical assistance and/or to expand to new audiences.

These projects will enable existing education and training curricula to be modified to ensure they are consistent with new FSMA rules and to ensure that they meet the needs of expanded audiences. New audiences may include those from a variety of agricultural production and https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:7625%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section7625)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true processing systems.

Collaborative Education and Training Projects will support the development of multi-county, state-wide or multi-state programs. For example, these projects will support collaborations among states not necessarily located within the same regions, but having common food safety concerns, or addressing common commodities. Potential applicants must have an established track record of working with target audiences and must be capable of developing and modifying food safety training curricula to meet new FSMA rules for a variety of agricultural production and processing systems.

• Collaborative Engagement Supplement will be available for applications submitted under Community Outreach Projects and Collaborative Education and Training Projects that support coordination among 1890s, 1994s, Insular Areas, ANNH, HSACU, and community-based organizations serving socially disadvantaged populations.

• Applications that include significant collaborations with 1890s, 1994s, Insular Areas, ANNH, HSACUs or community-based organizations serving socially disadvantaged populations to increase outreach to underserved minority communities will be funded up to $150,000 above the listed budget maximum for Community Outreach and Collaborative Education and Training Projects (up to $300,000 for Community Outreach and $550,000 for Collaborative Education and Training).

Regional Center Projects will support the infrastructure of the program by coordinating information within and among the four regions to ensure that best practices for FSMA-related training, education, and technical assistance within local communities are translated to a national audience. Regional Center projects will ensure that there is continued education and training for a cadre of regional FSMA trainers and continue to provide trainings for both growers and processors.

Further, the Regional Center projects will focus on development of implementation plans for extending technical assistance to the targeted audiences of farmers, processors and vendors in the respective regions. Regional centers must partner with 1890, 1994, ANNH, HSACUs and/or community-based organizations serving socially-disadvantaged populations within their region.

The implementation plan must include collaborations with non-governmental and community-based organizations with an established track record of working with target audiences.

Implementation plans must address efforts to develop and modify food safety training curricula to meet FSMA rules for a variety of agricultural production and processing systems. In addition, the implementation plan must include a continuity plan to seamlessly coordinate with currently active Regional Centers to avoid gaps in collaboration and communication across the region.

Regional Center projects will be funded at up to $800,000 each. For an additional $200,000, Regional Center project applicants may include objectives demonstrating an ability to provide a leadership role in coordinating all four of the regional projects by: 1) collecting program outcomes from each of the regions; 2) developing best practices for FSOP based on collated data from the four regions; and 3) review curricula to ensure consistency with FSMA guidelines. Only one of the Regional Centers will be selected to serve as the Lead Regional Center with a total overall budget of $1,000,000.

The Lead Regional Center will be responsible for identifying outcomes and impacts of the FSOP and communicate and coordinate across all active FSOP projects in the regions. In addition, the Lead Regional Center will serve as a communication and coordination liaison between NIFA, FDA, and FSOP to ensure funded training curricula and resources cover core competencies related to FSMA. Lastly, the Lead Regional Center will develop a mechanism for collecting descriptive data, program outcomes, and best practices for funded projects.

In FY 2018, three Regional Centers and a Lead Regional Center were funded by NIFA. These projects are due to expire by September 2021. A continuity plan is highly recommended to seamlessly coordinate with the currently active centers to facilitate a smooth transition.

eXtension. FSOP encourages (but does not require) projects that develop content suitable for delivery through eXtension.

Global Engagement. NIFA supports global engagement that advances U.S. agricultural goals.

NIFA recognizes that collaboration with international partners may be necessary to attain the agency's goals for U.S. agriculture, promote global competence of our nation’s future agricultural workforce, and promote safe and nutritious food security in a growing world.

Therefore, although application to this RFA is limited to eligible U.S. institutions, applicants may collaborate with international partners, to include subcontracts to international partners or other institutions. Applications must clearly demonstrate benefits to the United States.

The FSOP is aligned with the following USDA Strategic Goals:

1. Strategic Goal 1: Ensure USDA Programs Are Delivered Efficiently, Effectively, With Integrity and a Focus on Customer Service;

2. Strategic Goal 2: Maximize the Ability of American Agricultural Producers to Prosper by Feeding and Clothing the World;

3. Strategic Goal 4: Facilitate Rural Prosperity and Economic Development;

4. Strategic Goal 7: Provide all Americans Access to a Safe, Nutritious, and Secure Food

Supply.

The FSOP is aligned with the USDA Science Blueprint Theme 3: Food and Nutrition Translation.

The FSOP is aligned with the USDA Agriculture Innovation Agenda by linking USDA programs and resources with producers to meet food safety education and training needs.

C. Program Area Description NIFA is soliciting applications under the following program areas:

1. Community Outreach Projects

2. Collaborative Education and Training Projects

3. Regional Center Projects https://impact.extension.org/ https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-strategic-plan-2018-2022.pdf).

https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-science-blueprint.pdf https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/agriculture-innovation-agenda-vision-statement.pdf

Table 2: Community Outreach Projects Key Information

Title Description Program Code: A4182

Program Code Name: FSOP CFDA Number 10.328

Project Type: Community Outreach Project Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline April 1, 2021 Grant Duration: 24 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 9 Maximum Award Amount: $300,000

D. Community Outreach Projects

Community Outreach Projects will support the development of food safety education and outreach programs in local communities and the expansion of existing food safety education programs that address the needs of small, specialized audiences whose education needs have not previously been adequately addressed. Projects will focus on building the capacity of local groups to identify very specific needs within their communities, and to implement appropriately-customized food safety education and outreach programs to meet those specific needs. Community outreach project funds that are being used to develop new food safety education programs can be used for FSMA training for applicants with minimal food safety experience that have close ties with target audiences and would like to expand to FSMA trainings within their communities. Community Outreach Projects will support the growth and expansion of already existing food safety education and outreach programs currently offered in local communities; to include previously funded, successful Pilot or Community Outreach Projects. In addition, these projects will enable existing programs to reach a broader target audience, provide technical assistance and/or to expand to new audiences.

E. Collaborative Engagement Supplements will be available for applications submitted under Community Outreach Projects and Collaborative Education and Training Projects that support coordination among 1890s, 1994s, Insular Areas, ANNH, HSACU, community-based organizations serving socially disadvantaged populations.

• Applications that include significant collaborations with 1890s, 1994s, Insular Areas, ANNH, HSACU, and community-based organizations serving socially disadvantaged populations to increase outreach to underserved minority communities will be funded up to $150,000 above the listed budget maximum for Community Outreach and Collaborative Education and Training Projects (up to $300,000 for Community Outreach and $550,000 for Collaborative Education and Training).

Community Outreach Projects should at least include the following:

• Focus on developing, implementing, or expanding food safety education to non- traditional, niche, or hard-to-reach audiences;

• Be led by project teams who demonstrate a record of developing and maintaining community partnerships and working successfully to serve the educational needs of the target audiences identified; and

• Develop and implement customized food safety education and outreach programs for those working with various agricultural production and processing systems, including conservation systems, sustainable systems and organic farming systems.

Table 3: Collaborative Education and Training Projects Key Information

Program Code: A4182

Program Code Name: FSOP CFDA Number 10.328

Project Type: Collaborative Education and Training Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline April 1, 2021 Grant Duration: 36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 6 Maximum Award Amount: $550,000

Collaborative Education and Training Projects

Collaborative Education and Training Projects should at least include the following:

• Be led by project teams who demonstrate a record of developing and maintaining community partnerships and working successfully to serve the educational needs of the target audiences identified; and

• Develop and implement customized food safety education and outreach programs for those working with various agricultural production and processing systems, including conservation systems, sustainable systems, and organic farming systems.

Collaborative Engagement Supplements will be available for applications submitted under Community Outreach Projects and Collaborative Education and Training Projects that support coordination among 1890s, 1862s, 1994s, Insular Areas, ANNH, HSACU and community-based organizations serving socially disadvantaged populations.

• Applications that include significant collaborations with 1890s, 1862s, 1994s, Insular Areas, ANNH, HSACU or community-based organizations serving socially disadvantaged populations to increase outreach to underserved minority communities will be funded up to $150,000 above the listed budget maximum for Community Outreach and Collaborative Education and Training Projects (up to $300,000 for Community Outreach and $550,000 for Collaborative Education and Training).

Table 4: Regional Center Projects Key Information

Program Code: A4182

Program Code Name: FSOP CFDA Number 10.328

Project Type: Regional Center Grant Type: Standard

Application Deadline April 1, 2021 Grant Duration: 36 Months

Anticipated # of Awards: 4 Maximum Award Amount: $800,000-$1,000,000

Regional Center Projects will maintain the infrastructure of the program by coordinating across their region and expand upon the implementation of FSMA-related training, education, and Technical Assistance to the intended audience. Education and training for a cadre of regional FSMA trainers must be developed, with a focus on an implementation plan for extending technical assistance to the targeted audiences of farmers, processors and vendors in the respective regions. Regional Centers are expected to continue to provide trainings for both growers and processors.

Regional Center Project implementation plan must include:

i. Partnerships with 1890, 1994, ANNH, and/or HSACUs within their region.

ii. Collaborations with non-governmental and community-based organizations with an established track record of working with target audiences, and the capacity to develop and modify food safety training curricula to meet new FSMA rules for a variety of agricultural production and processing systems.

iii. A continuity plan to seamlessly coordinate with currently active Regional Centers to avoid gaps in collaboration and communication across the region.

iv. An objective to address the coordination, communication and assessment supplement detailed below. Proposals without a coordination, communication, and assessment objective will not be considered for review.

Regional Center projects will be funded at up to $800,000 each. For an additional $200,000, Regional Center project applicants may include objectives demonstrating an ability to provide a leadership role in coordinating all four of the regional projects by: 1) collecting program outcomes from each of the regions; 2) developing best practices for FSOP based on collated data from the 4 regions; and 3) review curricula to ensure consistency with FSMA guidelines. Only one of the Regional Centers will be selected to serve as the Lead Regional Center with a total overall budget of $1,000,000.

The Lead Regional Center will be responsible identifying outcomes and impacts of the FSOP and communicate and coordinate across all active FSOP projects in the regions. In addition, the Lead Regional Center will serve as a communication and coordination liaison between NIFA, FDA, and FSOP to ensure funded training curricula and resources cover core competencies related to FSMA. Lastly, the Lead Regional Center will develop a mechanism for collecting descriptive data, program outcomes, and best practices for funded projects.

All three project types have common programmatic terms and conditions to ensure alignment across the Food Safety Outreach Program. To fulfill this purpose, the following communication terms and conditions will be followed:

• The Lead Regional Center will collate individual project outcomes, identify best practices based on those project outcomes, and report overall outcomes of the program to national program staff at NIFA and FDA. To compile outcomes, each successfully funded project team must develop a communication plan to describe how they will interact with their respective Regional Centers. The communication plan must describe a strategy for collecting data and reporting the outcomes of all Community Outreach Projects, Collaborative Education and Training Projects, and Regional Center Projects to either their associated Regional Centers or the Lead Regional Center.

• Project outcomes that are reported to the Lead Regional Centers and the Regional Centers may include a variety of qualitative (descriptive) and/or quantitative (metrics) measures.

Quantitative and qualitative measures may include, but are not limited to: 1) New or novel education, training materials, and resources for specific target audiences; 2) New or novel delivery mechanisms developed and implemented for specific target audiences; 3) Specific commodities or common food safety issues addressed; 4) Specific target audiences, including niche, hard-to-reach, or underserved audiences identified and trained; 5) Best practices identified and applied by specific target audiences; 6) Number of education and training sessions conducted; 7) Number of participants in training and education programs; 8) Established baseline data (pre and post) to show the initial state of target group (community/niche group) with justification to verify and validate changes in knowledge, food safety practices, adapted best practices, FSMA compliance, market growth (farmers market/retail) etc.; and/or 9) Perform gap analysis to identify unaddressed challenges or those needing more development and attention.

• The Project Director will be responsible for managing all technical and programmatic aspects of the grant and will be responsible for appropriately acknowledging USDA- NIFA’s funding support in publications, public announcements, news releases, and other media sources.

• The Project Director for the Community Outreach, Collaborative Education and Training, and Regional Center Projects are responsible for attending annual meetings with NIFA and FDA staff, in the second year of the award. During the annual meeting, Project Directors will report on the progress of their projects, share updates on modified training materials or curricula, and report on interim programmatic outcomes.

All project types have common programmatic terms and conditions to ensure alignment with the FSOP. To fulfill this purpose, the following communication terms and conditions will be followed:

• Each successfully funded project team must develop a communication plan to describe how they will interact with their respective Regional Centers. The communication plan must describe a strategy for collecting data and reporting the outcomes of all Community Outreach Projects and Collaborative Education and Training Projects to the respective Regional Centers. Where needed, Regional Center staff will assist Project Directors with developing the communication plan and reporting mechanisms. Regional Center staff will be responsible for reporting overall project outcomes to the Lead Regional Center. The Lead Regional Center will collate the individual project outcomes, develop best practices based on those project outcomes, and report overall outcomes of the program to national program staff at NIFA. Project outcomes that are reported to the Regional Centers may include a variety of qualitative (descriptive) and/or quantitative (metrics) measures.

Quantitative and qualitative measures may include, but are not limited to: 1) New or novel education, training materials, and resources for specific target audiences; 2) New or novel delivery mechanisms developed and implemented for specific target audiences; 3) Specific commodities or common food safety issues addressed; 4) Specific target audiences, including niche, hard-to-reach, or underserved audiences identified and trained; 5) Best practices identified and applied by specific target audiences; 6) Number of education and training sessions conducted; 7) Number of participants in training and education programs; and 8) Number and percent of participants reporting changes in knowledge and/or behavior as a result of participation in education and training sessions.

• The Project Director will be responsible for managing all technical and programmatic aspects of the grant and will be responsible for appropriately acknowledging USDA- NIFA’s funding support in publications, public announcements, news releases, and other media sources.

• The Project Director for the Community Outreach and Collaborative Education and

Training Project teams will be responsible for attending Regional Center and Lead Regional Center Meetings. During the meeting, Project Directors will report on the progress of their projects, share updates on modified training materials or curricula, and report on interim programmatic outcomes.

PART II. AWARD INFORMATION

A. Available Funding The anticipated amount available for the National Food Safety and Outreach Program (FSOP) in FY 2021 is approximately $9.6 million. USDA is not committed to fund any particular application or to make a specific number of awards. The Automated Standard Application for Payments, operated by the Department of Treasury, Bureau of Fiscal Service, is the designated payment system for awards resulting from this RFA.

B. Application Restrictions NIFA will evaluate applications using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA.

Application for FY 2021 is limited to the following applications types:

1. New application: New applications will be evaluated using the criteria described in Part V of this RFA and are subject to the due dates herein (see Appendix III for definition).

2. Resubmitted application: Resubmitted applications must include the response to the previous review panel summary and are subject to the same criteria and due dates herein. Resubmitted applicants must enter the NIFA-assigned proposal number of the previously submitted application in the Federal Field (Field 4) on the application form (see Appendix III for definition).

C. Project and Grant Types The following describes the types of projects or grants that are eligible for funding:

Project Types - Community Outreach Projects, Collaborative Education and Training, and Regional Center Projects.

D. Ethical Conduct of Funded Projects In accordance with sections 2, 3, and 8 of 2 CFR Part 422, institutions that conduct USDA-funded extramural research must foster an atmosphere conducive to research integrity, bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of research misconduct, and maintain and effectively communicate and train their staff regarding policies and procedures. In the event an application to NIFA results in an award, the Authorized Representative (AR) assures, through acceptance of the award that the institution will comply with the above requirements. Award recipients must, upon request, make available to NIFA the policies, procedures, and documentation to support the conduct of the training. See Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research for further information.

https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/pmt/asap/asap_home.htm https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=fa5d28530c32df39aa64be6ac83e5c9a&mc=true&node=pt2.1.422&rgn=div5 https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research https://nifa.usda.gov/responsible-and-ethical-conduct-research

PART III. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

A. Eligibility Requirements

Entities are eligible to apply to the National Food Safety and Outreach Program (FSOP) if they meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. The Cooperative Extension Service for a U.S. state or territory;

2. Non-government organizations and/or community-based organizations representing owners and operators of farms, small food processors, or small fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers that has a commitment to public health and expertise in administering programs that contribute to food safety;

3. Federal, State, local, or tribal agencies;

4. An institution of higher education (as defined in Section 101(a) of the Higher

Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)) or a foundation maintained by an institution of higher education;

5. A collaboration of two or more eligible entities.

Applicants for the FSOP must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

Duplicate or Multiple Submissions – duplicate or multiple submissions is not allowed.

NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate or multiple submissions. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

B. Cost Sharing or Matching

No Match Required - The FSOP has NO matching requirement. NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion.

https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:20%20section:1001%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section1001)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/grants-overview

PART IV. APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION

A. Method of Application Applicants must apply to the National Food Safety and Outreach Program (FSOP) electronically; no other method or response is accepted. The electronic application for this RFA and additional resources are available on Grants.gov and Grants 101. Table 5 provides instructions on how to obtain an electronic application. Part II § 1 of the NIFA Grants.gov Application Guide (Application Guide) contains detailed information regarding the Grants.gov registration process.

Table 5: Steps to Obtain Application Materials

Steps Action

Step One:

Register

New Users to Grants.gov must register early with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application (Register Here).

Step Two:

Download Adobe

Download and Install Adobe Reader (see Adobe Software Compatibility for basic system requirements).

Step Three:

Find Application

Using this funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-FSMA-008138, search for application here: Opportunity Package.

Step Four:

Assess Readiness

Contact an AR prior to starting an application to assess the organization’s readiness to submit an electronic application.

Table 6: Help and Resources

Grants.gov Support NIFA Support

Grants.gov Online Support Telephone support: 800-518-4726 Toll-Free or 606-545-5035

Email support: support@grants.gov Self-service customer based support:

Grants.gov iPortal

Key Information: Customer service business Hours 24/7, except federal holidays.

Email: policy@usda.gov

Key Information: Business hours:

Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/learn-grants/grants-101/pre-award-phase.html/ https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://get.adobe.com/reader/ https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/adobe-software-compatibility.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/search-opportunity-package.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html mailto:support@grants.gov https://grants-portal.psc.gov/Welcome.aspx?pt=Grants https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/ mailto:policy@usda.gov https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/snow-dismissal-procedures/federal-holidays/

B. Content and Form of the Application The Application Guide is part of the corresponding application package for this RFA. The RFA overrides the Application Guide if there is a discrepancy between the two documents.

NIFA will accept subsequent submissions to an application until the application deadline.

However, applicants that do not meet the application requirements, to include partial applications, risk being excluded from NIFA’s review. NIFA will assign a proposal number to all applications that meet the requirements of this RFA. Applicants must refer to the proposal number when corresponding with NIFA. Table 7 outlines other key instructions for applicants.

Table 7: Key Application Instructions

Instruction References (All references are to the

Application Guide)

Attachments must be in a portable document format (PDF) format.

Part III § 3

Check the manifest of submitted files to verify attachments are in the correct format.

Part III § 6.1

Conduct an administrative review of the application before submission.

Part VII

Follow the submission instructions. Part IV § 1.5

Provide an accurate email address, where designated, on the SF-424 R&R.

Part IV § 1.5

Contact the Grants.gov helpdesk for technical support, and keep a record of the correspondence.

N/A

Contact NIFA if applicant does not receive correspondence from NIFA regarding an application within 30 days of the application deadline.

N/A

SF 424 R&R Cover Sheet. See Part V § 2 and Part V § 2.17of the Application Guide for the required certifications and assurances.

SF 424 R&R Project/Performance Site Location(s). See Part V § 3 of the Application Guide.

R&R Other Project Information Form. See Part V § 4 of the Application Guide.

1. Field 7. Project Summary (PS)/Abstract. The PS must show how the project goals align with the project goals of the FSOP. See Part V § 4.7 of the Application Guide for instructions and suggested templates.

2. Field 8. Project Narrative (PN). The PN for the Collaborative Education and Training and Regional Center Projects must not exceed 20 1.5 spaced pages of written text including tables and figures (the font size for tables should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman). The Project Narrative for the Community Outreach https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf

Projects must not exceed a total of 10 pages 1.5 spaced pages of written text including tables and figures (the font size for tables should be no smaller than 11 points, Times New Roman). The page limits outlined here ensure fair and equitable competition. Appendices to the PN are allowed if they are directly germane to the proposed project. Do not add appendices to circumvent the page limit. The PN must include all the following:

a. Introduction;

b. Rationale and significance;

c. Objectives;

d. Approach;

e. Summary of previous work;

f. Response to previous review: The response to previous review must not exceed one

1.5 spaced page. This does not count towards the page limit for the PN.

3. Field 12, Add Other Attachments. See Part V § 4.12 of the Application Guide.

R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded). See Part V § 5 of the Application Guide for profile requirements, details about the biographical sketch, and suggested support templates.

R&R Personal Data. This information is voluntary and is not a precondition of award (see Part V § 6 of the Application Guide).

R&R Budget. See Part V § 7 of the Application Guide.

1. Match – If an applicant concludes that the matching requirements described under Part

III

§ B of this RFA is not applicable to them; the applicant must include an explanation of their conclusion in the budget justification. NIFA will consider this justification when determining final matching requirements or if required matching can be waived. NIFA retains the right to make final determinations regarding matching requirements.

Grants that require matching funds as specified under Part III § B of this RFA must list in their budget justification the matching sources, the identification of the entity(ies) providing the match, and the total pledged amount. A written verification of commitments of matching support (a pledge agreement) is not required. However, applicants are subject to the documentation, valuing and reporting requirements, as specified in 2 CFR Part 200, “Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (the Uniform Guidance),” and 7 CFR 3430, “Competitive and Noncompetitive Non-Formula Federal Assistance Programs – General Award Administrative Provisions

2. Indirect costs (IDC) – See Part IV § C of this RFA for funding restrictions regarding indirect cost, and Part V 7.9 of the Application Guide for additional information.

Data Management Plan. A DMP is required for this program. Applicants should clearly articulate how the project director (PD) and co-PDs plan to manage and disseminate the data generated by the project. The DMP will be considered during the merit review process (see Part V § B of this RFA, Part III § 3.1 of the Application Guide and NIFA’s Data Management Plan).

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=39448527cdd5ebd0a063b91b8b44f0f5&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=35239f23e6f56cda622108230f49184f&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=35239f23e6f56cda622108230f49184f&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=35239f23e6f56cda622108230f49184f&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5 https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/data-management-plan-nifa-funded-research-projects

Supplemental Information Form. See Part VI § 1 of the Application Guide.

1. Field 2. Program to which the applicant is applying. Enter the program name (FSOP) and the program code (A4182). Accurate entry is critical.

2. Field 8. Conflict of Interest List. See Part VI § 1.8 of the Application Guide.

Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants. This is required for corporate applicants. See Part VI § 2 of the Application Guide for a description of the term, “corporation.”

C. Funding Restrictions

Indirect Cost (IDC) not to exceed 30 percent of Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA) of the recipient. Section 1462(a) and (c) of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (NARETPA) (7 U.S.C. 3310(a) limits IDC for the overall award to 30 percent of Total Federal Funds Awarded (TFFA) under a research, education, or extension grant. The maximum IDC rate allowed under the award is determined by calculating the amount of IDC using:

1. The sum of an institution’s negotiated indirect cost rate and the indirect cost rate charged by sub-awardees, if any; or

2. 30 percent of TFFA.

The maximum allowable IDC rate under the award, including the IDC charged by the sub- awardee(s), if any, is the lesser of the two rates.

If the result of number one is the lesser of the two rates, the grant recipient is allowed to charge the negotiated IDC rate on the prime award and the sub-award(s), if any. Any sub-awards would be subject to the sub-awardee’s negotiated IDC rate. The sub-awardee may charge its negotiated IDC rate on its portion of the award, provided the sum of the IDC rate charged under the award by the prime awardee and the sub-awardee(s) does not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

If the result of number two is the lesser of the two rates, then the maximum IDC rate allowed for the overall award, including any sub-award(s), is limited to 30 percent of the TFFA. That is, the IDC of the prime awardee plus the sum of the IDC charged by the sub-awardee(s), if any, may not exceed 30 percent of the TFFA.

In the event of an award, the prime awardee is responsible for ensuring the maximum indirect cost allowed for the award is not exceeded when combining IDC for the Federal portion (i.e., prime and sub-awardee(s)) and any applicable cost-sharing (see 7 CFR 3430.52(b)). Amounts exceeding the maximum allowable IDC are considered unallowable. See sections 408 and 410 of 2 CFR 200.

Successful applicants must not use grant funds awarded under the authority of this RFA to renovate or refurbish research, education, or extension space; purchase or install fixed equipment in such space; or to plan, repair, rehabilitate, acquire, or construct buildings or facilities.

https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/PKG00249520-instructions.pdf https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:7%20section:3310%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title7-section3310)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=bc2a5c8934a3488411ddf25402039442&mc=true&node=pt7.15.3430&rgn=div5#se7.15.3430_152 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d01057b6a46f45341b4180c996049e3c&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1408 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d01057b6a46f45341b4180c996049e3c&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1410 https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=d01057b6a46f45341b4180c996049e3c&mc=true&node=pt2.1.200&rgn=div5#se2.1.200_1410

PART V. APPLICATION REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

A. NIFA’s Evaluation Process NIFA evaluates each application in a two-part process. First, we screen each application to ensure that it meets the administrative requirements as set forth in this RFA. Second, a scientific peer- review process will be used to technically evaluate applications that meet the administrative requirements using a review panel (see NIFA Peer Review Process)..

Scientific Peer Review Process:

NIFA selects reviewers for the review panel based upon their training and experience in relevant scientific, extension, or education fields, taking into account the following factors:

• the level of relevant formal scientific, technical education, or extension experience of the individual, as well as the extent to which an individual is engaged in relevant research, education, or extension activities;

• the need to include experts from various areas of specialization within relevant scientific, education, or extension fields;

• the need to include other experts (e.g., producers, range or forest managers/operators, and consumers) who can assess relevance of the applications to targeted audiences and to program needs;

• the need to include experts from a variety of organizational types (e.g., colleges, universities, industry, state and Federal agencies, and private profit and non-profit organizations) and geographic locations;

• the need to maintain a balanced composition with regard to minority and female representation and an equitable age distribution; and

• the need to include reviewers who can judge the effective usefulness of each application to producers and the general public.

After each peer review panel has completed its deliberations, the responsible program staff of NIFA will recommend that your project is either approved for support from currently available funds or declined due to insufficient funds or unfavorable review.

NIFA reserves the right to negotiate with the PD/PI and/or the submitting organization or institution regarding project revisions (e.g., reductions in the scope of work, funding level, period, or method of support) prior to recommending any project for funding.

After the review process has been completed, NIFA sends copies of reviews, not including the identity of reviewers, and a summary (if applicable) of the review panel comments to the PD.

Conflicts of interest. NIFA takes extreme care to prevent any actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may influence the review or evaluation (see NIFA Peer Review Process for Competitive Grant Applications).

https://nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resource/NIFA-Peer-Review-Process-for-Competitive-Grant-Applications_0.pdf https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications https://nifa.usda.gov/resource/nifa-peer-review-process-competitive-grant-applications

B. Evaluation Criteria The following evaluation criteria will be used to evaluate applications for Community Outreach…